Letter To The Minister Of Works And State Minister Federal Republic Of Nigeria Abuja- Concrete Roads: A Solution In Search Of A Problem

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: CONCRETE roads have recently been enthusiastically supported as a durable and sustainable solution by its proponents of transportation infrastructure. The proponents argued that it can withstand heavy traffic, require less maintenance and last for years. Beneath the surface lies a more complex and complicated issue around it. However as Nigerian through the federal ministry of works increasingly adopts some concrete roads as a choice, it is important and necessary to look at the other side of it, whether truly the adoption of concrete roads address the problem of roads in Nigeria or merely creating additional problem with Nigerian roads, it reveals a complex and complicated reality, marked by important and significant drawbacks and unintended consequences.

It is clear that this solution may be in search of a problem that doesn’t exist, the assumption that concrete roads are panacea for transportation problems overlooks the unique challenges in the contexts of Nigeria’s roads, in terms of cost, safety and environment, as the Federal Ministry of Works continue to invest heavily in concrete infrastructure, it is important to question whether this approach is truly addressing the problems.

Concrete roads are only good in water logging areas or useful in areas with high water tables where water logging is common. It is suitable for areas prone to water logging as it can withstand water exposure without suffering significant damage. It can only remain stable when submerged in water, it is only idle for a short distance. Yes, in terms of durability to a certain limit, materials are sourced locally like lime stones, aggregates, reinforcement etc unlike bitumen. (Flexible paving) In terms of cost, the paving cost of concrete road is much higher compared to asphalt paving, when breaks occur, the whole concrete slab needs to be replaced. Vehicles tend to slip and skid on concrete roads when it rains, when concrete pavement is damaged the whole concrete slab needs to be broken. It lacks stability in a subgrade where soil shifting is so frequent while underground piping is paramount. It is also very poor in flexibility to check continuous unequal subgrade settlement.

High heat repellent that can be injurious to pneumatic tyres, lack of sustainability in terms of corrosive action to acid and base in underground water. It has less fusion between the interface, especially the old and the newly introduced portion .Concrete pavements are constructed with a large number of seams. It is rough on vehicles leading to faster wear and tear on tyres, brakes and suspension. It can also lead to frequent maintenance and repairs for vehicles. Tyres wear out faster especially when the road surface is rough or uneven. “Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on 20th June 2024 at Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Abakaliki announced his administration had spent N17.3 billion on remedial work on the airport runway during his first one year in office anniversary. Shortly after the inauguration by the former Governor, who is now the Honorable Minister of works, an advocate of concrete roads, a report emerged that the airport runway had developed defects leading to a boycott by the airlines which have largely avoided landing at the airport. The runway is jumping and it is destroying aircraft tyres. The Ebonyi State Government unsuccessful attempts to rectify the issue through engineering solutions approached the Federal Ministry of Aviation, for advice and solution.”

The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State which was inaugurated in May 2023 by the current Minister of Works, and the immediate past executive Governor of Ebonyi state has remained idle due to a flaw, imperfection and problems that developed shortly after construction.

The runways surface jumping or unevenness damage aircraft tires and inability to withstand wear and tear, these defects highlight potential drawbacks of using concrete or rigid paving for road construction, including lack of durability, high maintenance costs and safety risks. The need for overlaying the concrete runway with asphalt suggests that concrete roads may require frequent and costly repairs. Also jumping and damaging aircraft tires demonstrate the materials limitations. In conclusion, the evidence presented demonstrates that Rigid pavement is not a solution for Nigerian road infrastructure. The roads from Obajana to Kabba which was constructed with concrete paving in 2019 while that of Obajana to Kabba junction was constructed 15 years ago with asphalt illustrates the challenges and consequences of concrete roads or Rigid pavements.

From;Chartered Qs. SHEHU AMINU ABDULLAHI. RQS, FRICS, FNIQS.

No 10 Kanta road, Aliyu Turaki house, Kaduna. ashehu2001z@gmail.com

18th June 2025.